I just rode it. MY. GOD.
Let me put it this way. The sales guy took it out right as I pulled up. He came back and looked like a ghost. Said he's never felt like that after a test ride. I was exactly the same, and my buddy as well. All 3 of us, we all agreed, it was the most fun bike we had ever ridden.
I've ridden R6s, MV brutale, Superduke R, WR250, a couple zero electric bikes, ninja 250, a kawi here and there. A fairly diverse group.
It's a twin, but it's a twin that feels smooth like my r6. It's not rough around the edges like my superduke(which has the same lc8 engine by the way). The big thing that I love: Electronically controlled engine braking. When you roll off the throttle, it doesn't pitch you forward hard like you would expect with a twin (or a supermoto). It's just super smooth. It wants to tip in so easy, extremely flickable. The power, my god the power. 175 horses made me shit bricks just like the first time I ever rode a 600 sportbike. I expect the low RPMs with a twin to be glitchy and rough. NO. 2k rpm rolling at a light, no grunt or fuss. It puts the power on to get it started with ease, then brings you into holy shit zone in half a second.
I've been looking at these bikes ever since I saw a pair of them come flying around the track 2 years ago. I have to say, it has lived BEYOND the hype I have personally built them up to be. From what I hear, 2012 seems to be the year that they finally have all the kinks out. A guy was saying that having that exhaust under you must help put more weight low to the ground. It certainly feels like that weight is working with you rather than against you.
Yes yes, when you sit on it at the shop, OUCH. such a sharp uncomfortable seat. As soon as you start moving, it's more comfortable. I found that when I left one foot on the peg at traffic lights, it's much better. I'm 5'7" for comparison. That's my only gripe.
I'm seriously considering selling my superduke r and going after one of these bikes now. It was a life altering ride. at 16,500, it'll be wallet altering as well
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Originally Posted by salsashark
One of the guys i chat with at the gym just bought an RC8 he said it handles amazingly and its nothing like his R6.
